Four Great Tactical Plinkers for Your .22 LR Consideration (VIDEO)

The M&P 15-22 is a consistent performer when training on the range. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)

The words “tactical” and “plinker” often don’t come together. Yet, there are a growing number of companies that offer full-sized versions of their guns in .22 LR. Why would someone want this you might ask? Well, for starters .22 LR is cheap. Take, for example, the Aguila Super Extra High Velocity we shot, starting at $2.61 a box. Compare that to the same box of 50 rounds 5.56 FMJ from Aguila, with a MSRP of $19.58 and you’ve already got yourself a savings of $16.97 in the first 50 rounds alone.

Besides being cheap to shoot tactical plinkers also offer the added training bonus of being similar to larger scale models. The only difference in many of the models is the felt recoil when you go to shoot. This allows you to realistically train for pennies on the dollar compared to your larger caliber models, while still maintaining the muscle memory of the training. So without further ado, here are four great tactical plinkers in .22 LR from the Guns.com Vault for your consideration.

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22

The M&P 15-22, just like it’s larger brother, comes with an adjustable stock. The collapsible stock coupled with the light recoil of the rifle makes this ideal for youth shooters. The rifle also features the familiar A2 style grips and sights. These sights can be folded down or easily removed if you want to add an optic to the top Picatinny rail. You can plink for a while with a standard 25-round magazine at affordable prices. Overall, the M&P 15-22 functioned flawlessly eating through all the Aguila ammo we could throw at it. It would be a hit for the youth or adult shooter alike

The M&P 15-22 is a consistent performer when training on the range. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)

If you would like an M&P 15-22 for yourself, find it here in the Guns.com Vault.

Rock Island Armory AK 47/22

Rock Island Armory is perhaps most recognizable for their 1911 designs, but a gun that they manufacture which may have slipped under the radar is their AK 47/22. You’ll find many of the same features on the RIA version as you would a typical AK. There is the standard safety selector switch which locks the gun. You’ll also notice the side charging handle which mimics that of an AK as well. Finally, you have an adjustable rear sight for elevation and an adjustable front post sight, again just like your typical AK.

The RIA AK 47/22 is an unusual plinker but fun to shoot nonetheless. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)

The one thing that will be different from your typical AK is the these magazines go straight in as opposed to rocking in like that of your standard AK-47. If you would like to plink on the range with one these AK 47/22 rifles you can find them here in the Guns.com Vault.

Mossberg 715P

The Mossberg 715P is a smaller pistol version of the Mossberg 715T. What makes this little gun unique is that it has a side-charging handle, coupled with a 6-inch barrel and A2 style grips and muzzle break. It’s 25+1-round capacity means you’ll be able to plink all day and have fun doing it. The pistol also feature Picatinny rail on the top, sides, and bottom, which allows you to mount a number of optics or accessories. For those of you who can’t handle the 48 ounce weight, don’t worry, there are also sling swivels.

This Mossberg 715P features many similarities to it’s older brother the 715T. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)

Looking to plink at the range with a Mossberg 715P, find one here in the Guns.com Vault.

Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact

Finally, the last on our list of Tactical Plinkers is the Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact. This little pistol takes after it’s highly carried and touted M&P Shield 9mm. It features the same grip texturing, mag release, and takedown functionality. You’ll also see similar 3-dot white sights on the M&P22 Compact but where it differs is the rear sight can be adjusted for windage and elevation. Another feature you’ll find standard on the M&P22 Compact is the ambidextrous safety. This gun is used mainly for training and ate up all that Aguila we had.

If you like this M&P22 Compact and want to train with one yourself you can find it here in the Guns.com Vault.

PlinkPlinkPlink

Whether you’re out for a good time or trying to do some serious training these tactical plinkers got you covered. With the cost of .22 LR being so reasonable it’s no wonder you see more and more companies making tactical plinkers for their customers.